8Bit/Digi

1 million people have vowed to raid Area 51 on September 20th, via “Naruto running”. We all know that is a very bad idea and most of us aren’t going to do something that stupid (I hope). However, if you still have the urge to see them aliens then check out these five games.

To make the list: the game must feature a raid on Area 51 (or some parody of it), hence games that just mention Area 51 will not be included. Also this list will not include any shovelware that popped up on Steam recently.

5. Area 51 (2005)

A remake of the hit arcade game, players are deployed to the iconic base after an alien virus is unleashed. The game blended elements of horror with science fiction to tell a familiar story. The game also had a stellar cast that includes David Duchovny, Marilyn Manson, Powers Boothe and Nolan Northin in one of his earliest roles.

4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was a crowning achievement in gaming as it allowed players to explore a massive world based on early 90’s Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas. One mission even has players tasked by The Truth (voiced by the late Peter Fonda) to raid Area 51 (dubbed Area 69 in the game) to steal an experimental jetpack.

3. Perfect Dark

Perfect Dark was the spiritual successor to 007 GoldenEye and one of the best shooters of the Fifth Generation era. Players take on the role of Joanna Dark who must stop an evil corporation from helping an evil alien army form recovering a lost weapon on earth.

Part of the story involves Dark having to infiltrate Area 51 to rescue a Maian named Elvis. This three part mission has players sneak into the base (which is under the control of a rogue NSA agent), rescue Elvis then fight their way out. Given how the main goal is to break out with a Grey alien, this would be the perfect “Area 51 raid” experience.

2. Deus Ex

Deus Ex was a groundbreaking cyberpunk RPG that had players take on the role of UNATCO agent, JC Denton. After discovering a sinister plot by Majestic 12 to take over the world, Denton must travel the world and bring down the master minds of the conspiracy.

The games climax has players raid Majestic 12 main headquarters of Area 51. After the surface is nuked, Denton is able to fight his way through the bases defenses. While there are no aliens, players are however given the choice to either merge with an AI or send the world back to the Dark Ages.

1. Area 51 (1995 Arcade Game)

The arcade classic that first introduced gamers to the idea of raiding Area 51 had to take the top spot. Players take on the role of a Special Tactical Advanced Alien Response (STAAR) operative deployed to stop aliens from trying to take over the titular base. Players must shoot waves of aliens and zombies while protecting their fellow STAAR operatives.

Area 51 is a simple a shooter from back in the days when arcades was popular. The game had a simple setup while borrowing the best tropes from other 80’s alien films. Oh and just a quick reminder, Area 51 was released a year before Independence Day (hence no “they ripped-off the movie” comments).

What do you think of our list, was there a game that has a better “storm Area 51” experience? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.